"この論理に従ってください自分が誰なのか確信が持てない限り真に成功することはできません"

Knowing who you are is essential for true success. When you don’t have a clear sense of self, it’s like trying to navigate a maze without a map. You’re lost, constantly second-guessing your choices, and unsure of your direction. In contrast, understanding your values, strengths, and passions provides a solid foundation from which you can build a successful life.

This idea resonates through history and personal experiences. Take, for example, the midlife crisis phenomenon. Many people, after years of pursuing careers and lifestyles that don’t align with their true selves, suddenly realize they're unfulfilled. They might have outward signs of success—money, status, possessions—but inside, they feel empty. This often leads to drastic changes as they seek to align their external life with their internal identity. Real success isn’t just about achieving external goals; it’s about finding a path that feels right at your core.

Let’s look at Steve Jobs as a real-life example. Jobs famously took a break from college to travel to India, seeking spiritual enlightenment and a better understanding of himself. During this journey, he embraced new perspectives and insights that later influenced his approach to design and technology. When Jobs co-founded Apple, he infused the company with his personal values—simplicity, beauty, and innovation. His deep understanding of who he was and what he valued allowed him to lead Apple to incredible success. It wasn’t just about making money; it was about creating products that resonated with his vision and values.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by taking time to reflect on what truly matters to you. What are your core values? What activities make you lose track of time because you’re so engrossed in them? What kind of life do you envision for yourself? Journaling, meditation, or even talking with trusted friends can help you uncover these insights. Once you have a clearer sense of who you are, make decisions that align with that identity. If you value creativity, find ways to incorporate it into your work or hobbies. If helping others is important to you, seek opportunities to give back.

Imagine you’re standing at a crossroads in your career. One path offers a high salary but requires long hours and little creative freedom. The other path pays less but aligns with your passion for sustainable living and innovative design. If you don’t know who you are, you might default to the higher salary, thinking it’s the "successful" choice. But if you understand your values and passions, you’re more likely to choose the path that aligns with your true self—even if it seems riskier. Over time, following your true path will likely lead to deeper fulfillment and, ultimately, your own version of success.

Think about a friend of mine, Sarah. She spent years climbing the corporate ladder, thinking that reaching the top would bring her happiness. But once she became a manager, she realized she hated the constant meetings and missed the hands-on creative work she used to do. After some soul-searching, she left her high-paying job to start a small graphic design business. It was scary, and she faced a lot of uncertainty, but she was finally doing work that felt true to her. Fast forward a few years, and Sarah’s business is thriving. More importantly, she’s genuinely happy and feels successful in a way she never did before.

So, take the time to know yourself. It might seem like a detour, but it’s actually the fastest route to where you want to go.